What Old Testament events parallel the rejection seen in Acts 7:57? Setting the Scene: Acts 7:57 “ At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him.” Stephen’s audience refuses to hear the truth and moves violently to silence it. Scripture shows this has happened again and again in Israel’s past. Joseph Betrayed by His Brothers • Genesis 37:18-20, 28 — “They saw him from a distance… They conspired to kill him… they sold Joseph for twenty shekels of silver.” • Parallels: – Hatred toward the one God had chosen. – Plotting together, then rushing to remove him. – Attempt to erase the uncomfortable word Joseph’s dreams represented. Moses Rejected at His First Appearance • Exodus 2:13-14 — “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” • Acts 7:25-27 recalls the scene. • Parallels: – Israel resists the deliverer sent by God. – Immediate, personal hostility that forces Moses to flee. The Golden Calf: Plugging the Ears at Sinai • Exodus 32:8-10 — They turn away even while God is speaking through Moses. • Parallels: – Preference for idolatry over revelation. – A loud, chaotic scene drowning out God’s voice. Kadesh-barnea: Threatening to Stone the Faithful • Numbers 14:10 — “The whole congregation said to stone them.” • Parallels: – Reaction to Joshua and Caleb’s truthful report. – Mob mentality, ready to silence faithful witnesses. Prophet after Prophet Silenced • 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 — Zechariah is stoned “in the courtyard of the house of the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 36:16 — “They mocked God’s messengers, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets.” • Parallels: – God’s Spirit speaks; the people cover their hearts and respond with violence. – Continuity of rejection culminating in Stephen. Jeremiah’s Scroll Cut and Burned • Jeremiah 36:23-24 — “Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut them off… and threw them into the fire… yet they were not afraid, nor did they tear their garments.” • Parallels: – Deliberate destruction of the Word to avoid conviction. – Hardened hearts unmoved by God’s warning. Zechariah’s Diagnosis of Deaf Ears • Zechariah 7:11-12 — “They refused to pay attention; they turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing.” • Parallels: – Exact posture mirrored in Acts 7:57. – Spiritual deafness leading straight to judgment. Summary of the Pattern • God sends a messenger. • The message exposes sin and calls for repentance. • The hearers shut their ears, raise their voices, and remove the messenger. Stephen’s martyrdom stands in line with Joseph’s mistreatment, Moses’ rejection, the wilderness rebellions, the murder of prophets, and every occasion Israel “stopped their ears from hearing.” |
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